What does Daniss Jenkins ‘ signing mean?
While Jenkins’s salary for this season is not yet known, the Pistons used their bi-annual exception valued at $5.13 million to sign him. So, let’s assume he is making that much this year. If that is the case, it puts the Pistons less than $700,000 below the luxury tax. Next year’s deal is a team option.
If Detroit exercises Jenkins option, which is pretty much guaranteed, the Pistons still have plenty of flexibility. Jenkins would give the Pistons 11 players signed with a salary totaling around $135 million. Thus, leaving them with around $30 million in cap space. Jalen Duren, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, figures to eat a good portion of the cap when he inks his new deal. They also have their own first-round pick in June.
The Pistons won’t have the bi-annual exception next. But, they should have the non-taxpayer exception and Dennis Schroder trade exception ($14.1 million). Their biggest need will be to add a two-way power forward and some shooting off the bench, as Tobias Harris certainly won’t return unless on a real cheap deal, and recently acquired Kevin Huerter is also a free agent.
What are the potential options for Detroit’s Open 2-Way Spot?
But that is the summer, back to the here and now. With Jenkins promoted, the Pistons have an open two-way spot. Jaden Akins, Drew Peterson, and Brice Williams would be the best “in-house” options as all three are playing for the Motor City Cruise.
Akins, selected for the 2026 NBA G League Next Up Game, is the likely choice to be promoted. Undrafted out of Michigan State, the 6-4 combo guard averages 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. He has scored in double-figures 28 times and knocks down 1.9 threes with shooting splits of 43.9/35.5/80.4.
Akins and Jenkins are from the same mold. Akins is a strong point‑of‑attack defender with size and fits the Pistons ‘ identity and mode. He excels in on-ball pressure while also being capable of navigating screens. Additionally, he is at his best when getting downhill and is more of a secondary creator.
